After facing heat from the ruling body of sport, FIFA, none of them will be wearing rainbow armbands to promote an LGBTQ inclusion message during the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is considered illegal in the nation.
In a statement on Monday, the governing body of soccer in England, known as the Football Association, confirmed that Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Wales have joined them in announcing a gesture campaign called Love One. This campaign is in response to the threats of sporting sanctions from FIFA, leaving them with no choice but to abandon it.
“We have asked our captains not to wear the armbands in the FIFA World Cup games, including the joint statement they read. As national federations, we cannot allow our players to face sporting sanctions, including bookings. Although they cannot afford to leave the field or receive yellow cards, they added that they were prepared to face fines for breaching kit regulations.”
On Monday at 4 p.M. Local time in Iran, the European team England will be seen as the first team to take the field. Whether these disgruntled teams will wear alternative armbands remains to be seen. Critics consider slogans such as “the world unites” and “football brings us together” to be milquetoast, suggesting that players wear different armbands for each match as a way to show support. FIFA announced its own initiative on Saturday, stating that they believe this is an unprecedented move and that they are very frustrated with teams.
Below, information regarding the controversy surrounding the One Love wristband.
More from TIME
In September 2022, it was declared that nine additional countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and France, would embrace the initiative for different forthcoming games, including the Qatar World Cup and the UEFA Nations League of the following year. The One Love initiative was launched by the Dutch Football Association at the beginning of the 2020 football season, aiming to “demonstrate their backing for the unity of all individuals” and denounce any kind of prejudice.
Although it does not directly mention any LGBTQ causes or discrimination, the globally-recognized rainbow flag is a symbol of LGBTQ rights. The Team captains agreed to wear the rainbow armband, which features the words “OneLove” inside a heart and a number.
“Through the OneLove band, we convey this declaration.” In a statement released in 2020, Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Netherlands, stated: “This is a significant statement that aligns with the sport of football: on the pitch, everyone is treated equally and this should be the prevailing norm across all aspects of society.
Learn More: This Is the Real-life Situation for LGBTQ+ Individuals in Qatar.
Why teams want to wear the armbands in Qatar
Iran will continue to play its game on Monday and has adopted the act of taking a knee as a symbol of anti-racist solidarity, which England has also done since the 2020 Euro games. The armband, in this case, was not a silent protest but a form of protest against the mistreatment and arrests of LGBTQ community members by the authorities. Additionally, same-sex relationships are criminalized in Qatar.
England Manager Gareth Southgate, known locally as the leader of England’s soccer squad, has confirmed that they will maintain this tradition throughout the month-long tournament. “We have had conversations regarding the act of taking the knee and we are of the opinion that it is something we should continue to do,” he stated during a press conference on Sunday. “It represents our team’s values and is a longstanding practice for us,” he added.
Donning the armbands, they initially declined to capitulate, thus it came as no astonishment. The England team, frequently praised for its socially and politically progressive communication, which includes openly denouncing racism, showcases several prominent athletes from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. Prior to Monday, England Captain Harry Kane remained unwavering in his desire to sport the armband.
Qatar has faced an international backlash since securing the bid to host the soccer tournament, due to its poor record on human rights and the unpopular choice it has become for many soccer fans, as the tiny Gulf nation has become the first Muslim-majority and Middle Eastern nation to host the tournament.
Learn More: Numerous Migrant Workers perished in Qatar’s Intense Heat. The World Cup Compelled a Reckoning.
Why did these teams back down from wearing the armband?
FIFA considers it prohibited for any clothing or equipment (including playing kit items) to be used or worn in any controlled area that includes indecent, offensive, or dangerous images, statements, slogans, personal or religious, or political content. This rule, according to FIFA’s equipment regulations 4.3, also prohibits the use of political statements on team uniforms. Amidst the stipulations and rules, there is a significant emphasis on the avoidance of political statements on team uniforms.
Infantino, the head of FIFA, stated at a press briefing in Doha on Saturday that “We possess explicit guidelines regarding armbands.” He further mentioned that “We initiate and participate in universal campaigns on various subjects. It is crucial for us to identify subjects that can be embraced by everyone. This holds great significance for our organization.”
In the tournament, this could have an impact on the final standings, as players being sent off during a match would increase their chances. FIFA, for example, would caution teams by issuing an immediate yellow card message in order to spread the Love One message.
In the 2020 Euro Cup final, the first England team, who were favorites to win the 2022 World Cup, lost to Italy after a penalty shootout. They had intended for Love One to wear the armband and play.
Send a message to Armani Syed at armani.Syed@time.Com.